Sanford Foundation House changing corporate campus landscape

When it opens later this year, the Sanford Foundation House will be a symbolic new “front door” for the health system and a way to honor its legendary philanthropist.

Located on Sanford’s corporate campus, the $6 million home of the Sanford Foundation is designed as a tribute to T. Denny Sanford and as a place for hosting significant events.

Among the first likely will be a meeting of Sanford’s international board, which convenes twice annually including one visit to Sioux Falls. That’s scheduled for Dec. 7.

“That will be the first big official meeting inside the house,” said Micah Aberson, who oversees the foundation.

“Our intent is that in a lot of ways it changes the landscape out here and appropriately as you think about the role philanthropy has played in the catalytic growth of this organization.”

As visitors see it from Interstate 229 in northeast Sioux Falls, “we wanted it to be a welcoming place, where people will want to pull off the interstate and pull in to learn more about Denny and his investments and what this organization has been able to accomplish with that rocket fuel,” Aberson said.

The 17,000-square-foot building is being funded through donations, with almost $4.3 million raised so far and fundraising on target, he said.

Inside, visitors will discover creative touches, including the kitchen table where Sanford and Kelby Krabbenhoft brokered the donation that led to Sanford Health’s renaming.

An event space will accommodate dinner for more than 50 guests, and an outdoor area will allow for more activities. Aberson said he anticipates it being used for receptions when Sioux Falls hosts the upcoming Sanford-sponsored stop on the PGA Champions Tour, for example.

“It will get more use than we expect,” he said.

Another unique touch: The address has been established as 2335 Road to the Cure, a nod to both the goal of Sanford’s donations and his birthday: Dec. 23, 1935.

“We’re really trying to find this unique ways to honor him and everything he’s done for this system, community and region,” Aberson said. “He hasn’t been inside yet, but he’s awfully excited to get in and look around.”